As you are aware, the centrally sponsored ICDS scheme is being implemented in State/UTs of the country since 1975. Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are grass-root honorary women functionaries providing vital services to young children and women in Anganwadi Centres under this scheme. Selected from the community, these workers assume a pivotal role due to their close and continuous contact with the people, especially women, they works with. As a crucial link between village population and the Government administration, they become a central figure in helping the community identify/and meet the needs of their children and women. As a are given looking after children at the anganwadi centre, they play a crucial role promoting child growth and development. They are also an agent of social change, mobilising community support for better care of young children, girls and women. The success of the ICDS scheme can be well attributed to these over 5 lakh Anganwadi Workers and equal number of helpers in more than 4,3000 operational projects spread throughout the country.

2 The Government has taken many steps in last few years to provide additional benefits to these workers and helpers. Their honorarium has been enhanced, rates to T.A./D.A. during training have been revised and a scheme of awards has been also introduced. These efforts are also being supplemented by most of the State Governments and UT Administration.

3. In view of the key role of the anganwadi workers and helpers it is of utmost importance that their grievances and day to day problems are redressed and solved regularly and expeditiously. For this purpose it is suggested that a Grievance Redressal Committee for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers at the district level may be set up by the State Government/UT Administration. The Committee may include representatives of Anganwdi Workers and Helpers also. Such a mechanism will greatly improve the morale and motivation of thee workers. This committee may meet once in a quarter during the year.

4. At the State/UT level too, a similar mechanism may be established to improve and enhance the motivation of these workers.

5. Receipt of the letter may please be acknowledged.

Sd/- (T.N. Dwivedi) Under Secretary to the Government of India

F.No.1-9/2000 CD-IGovernment of IndiaMinistry of Human Resource DevelopmentDepartment of Women & Child Development

Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi Dated: 19th/24th October 2000 To1. Secretaries dealing with ICDS in all State Govts./UT Admns.2. Directors dealing with ICDS in all the State Govts./UT Admns.

Subject: Grievance Redressal; Machinery for Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi Helpers under Integrated Child Development Services (IUCDS) Scheme - Inclusion of social worker – Reg.Madam/Sir, I am directed to refer to this Department’s letter of even number dated 14th August, 2000 and to say that the proposed District Level Grievance Redressal Committee for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers may also include, inter-alia, a social worker nominated by a State Government/UT Administration/District authority.

Yours faithfully Sd/- (T.N. Dwivedi) Under Secretary to the Government of India